reviewsbyerin

Lady Sydney Hathwell landed on American soil engaged to a man she'd never met, who turned out to be a womanizing social climber. Recognizing these traits, Lady Sydney seeks a way to escape from her impending marriage, and sets out for a distant uncle's ranch in Texas. He responds to her telegram having mistaken her for a male based on her name, and Sydney decides to change her appearance and roll with it.

Tim Creighton has worked at the Forsaken ranch since his life fell apart a few years earlier. He's none too happy at the thought of the boss's nephew coming in to shake up the order of things, especially after Lord Sydney arrives and shows how little he understands about western life. Figuring he can teach the scrawny kid some things about being a real man, Tim works Sydney hard and begins to see some improvement in the kid's character.

Sydney is determined to work just as hard as the ranch hands. After a few days of blisters and soreness, her willingness has earned her some grudging respect from the cowhands. If only she can keep this up for a few months, she'll reach the age of majority and be able to receive her inheritance separate from any marriage stipulations.

But the fiancé she left in the east is still intent on marrying a woman of title. Specifically the woman of title he's already boasted about to his business acquaintances. Hiring a private investigator to help him find where Sydney has run off to, it's only a matter of time before her family connection in Texas comes to light.

Speaking of coming to light, Sydney's ruse can't last forever. Discovering she's female brings out a lot of different reactions at the ranch and in the community. Will she find the safety she needs from the oncoming confrontation, or will Forsaken's males-only policy leave her stranded and alone?

Everyone needs to read a fun western now and again. Cathy Marie Hake has spun a laugh-out-loud story that is great summer entertainment. Suspension of belief might have been pushed a few times, but there's pure enjoyment in stories that remind me of all the westerns I read in my childhood. I'd recommend this for anyone who enjoys the genre.